Perseverance Wins out over Natural Talent

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On Wednesday 11 January 2016, Roxane Riemer and Kiril Dimitrov were awarded the Best International Medical Student Award. Read short interviews with both awarded students.


Kiril Dimitrov: Perseverance Wins out over Natural Talent

This is the second time in a row you have been given the prize for the best international student. Have your friends supported and motivated you during the year?

My friends have been an endless source of support and motivation throughout my studies. When I see how well they excel it only pushes me to study harder and further my medical knowledge.

How do you learn, do you have any trick?

No real trick. Medicine is a vast ocean of knowledge and as such requires vast amounts of dedication and sacrifice. In my honest opinion it is perseverance that wins out over natural talent. Attending lectures at the faculty has also helped solidify my understanding and having an experienced doctor there to answer your questions is very beneficial for difficult topics.

How do you balance your study time and social life?

I'm not going to lie; my social life has been suffering as of late. With the preparation for the daunting state exams and the pressure of having to graduate it is difficult to maintain a steady schedule.

What activities do you like and do besides faculty?

Athletics have always been a passion of mine and I hope to continue them in the future. Cooking is another activity that I enjoy although there is a large room for improvement.

Roxane Isabel Riemer: I Was Really Surprised

Did you go for the prize? When did you decide to go for it?

Honestly, I didn't expect to get any prize. I was really surprised. I just tried my best.

How do you learn, do you have any trick?

Unfortunately, I didn't find the philosophers' stone yet. I just study. Reading books, making summaries and then I try to repeat everything.

How do you balance your study time and social life?

Good question. I grow up with sports. Therefore, my balance is sport and my family.

What activities do you like and do besides faculty?

Sports. Especially running and swimming. I have a part time job in this area, which is really exciting. I like reading books and travelling.

How does the prize change your budget?
A lot. Although my parents support me as much as they can, it's still a lot of money. The prize finances my next semester.
Created: 18. 1. 2017 / Modified: 13. 6. 2022 / Mgr. Petr Andreas, Ph.D.